If you've ever had a cat, you've probably experienced this scenario: It's about 4 a.m. and the cat is hungry and/or bored. Moments later, you're being pounced on or the glass of water in your nightstand is being knocked over by furry paws. You think you've solved the issue by keeping your bedroom door closed? Ha! The cat will then unleash an entire spectrum of sounds right outside the door.
So what can an overtired cat lover do? Get one other cat!
According to Petfinder, “Two cats provide each other with exercise, social interaction, and other forms of mental stimulation. Cats housed together have more opportunities to 'be cats' by socializing and playing with each other, and that means they are less likely to be destructive or engage in other problem behaviors.”
And after all, you might have one other kitten to like.
Many people consider cats as loners, but they're actually quite social; they're just picky about who their friends are. That's why it's so essential to successfully introduce cats to other cats. Patience and time are your mates at every step of the method.
Start by putting the brand new cat in a room of his own with a door that you may close. Make sure each your resident cat and the brand new cat get loads of attention and playtime. The longer the 2 cats are isolated, the more likely the subsequent steps are to achieve success. Once the brand new cat seems comfortable in his space (this normally takes several days to per week), you may start rotating the areas he’s confined in so he gets used to being in all areas of the home without the opposite cats present.
Time is your friend. Moving too quickly can result in a negative interaction that can set you back. Also, make certain you might have enough resources for each cats. This includes loads of food and water bowls, litter boxes, toys, scratching posts, and high vertical sleeping places. You want the cats to feel like they don't must compete with one another.
Your cat has 900 times as many sensory receptors as you, so each cats will smell one another through the crack within the door. Increase the smells by swapping litter or giving each cat a toy or other object that has the opposite cat's scent. Always pair this exchange with treats or something tasty. This way they learn that good things occur after they are exposed to the opposite cat's scent.
Once they’ll see and smell one another without hissing or growling, you may move on to the subsequent step: play! Start by twiddling with each cats at the identical time, each with their very own toy. Keep play sessions short. If all goes well, steadily increase playtime. Then give them free time together, but watch them closely. If bullying (stalking or persistent staring) does occur, distract and redirect them with toys or treats. It will likely take a while for the cats to be unsupervised, but it surely's price taking introductions slowly.
With more cats staying safely indoors nowadays, it's ideal for them to have friends at home if possible. And you may have the opportunity to get a little bit more uninterrupted sleep too.
Are you having problems along with your cat? Call Marin Humane's Behavior and Training Department at 415-506-6284 or email catbehavior@marinhumane.org.
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